False Memory was first released by Cemetery Dance Publications as a limited edition hardcover (ISBN 1-881475-85-9) that came in two different versions:[1] Martie Rhodes helps her friend Susan Jagger, who suffers from agoraphobia, attend visits to psychologist Dr. Ahriman.

Martie suddenly develops a mysterious case of autophobia and returns home to find herself frightened by her own reflection.

The couple eventually discovers that they have both been progressively brainwashed and programmed to obey Dr. Ahriman, a sexual psychopath who drugs and indoctrinates his patients, then repeatedly rapes them or orders them to commit murders or suicide for his amusement.

Michael Harris of the Los Angeles Times praised the first third of False Memory for its suspense and tone, but felt that the rest of the novel was more predictable and less believable.

[2] A reviewer for Publishers Weekly agreed that it resembled some of Koontz's earlier novels, but described it as "an expertly crafted, ornate suspenser" that fans of the author would enjoy.